FILE – This is a 2016, file photo showing Steve Wilks of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. Ron Rivera announced he has promoted Steve Wilks as the Panthers new defensive coordinator. Wilks has served as the Panthers defensive backs coach since 2012 and was given the additional title of assistant head coach by Rivera in 2015. He replaces Sean McDermott, who was hired as the Buffalo Bills head coach earlier this week (AP Photo/File)

The Arizona Cardinals has hired Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks to be their head coach. This is Wilk’s first head coaching job in the NFL, according to ESPN.

Wilks succeeded Bruce Arians as head coach, Arians retired soon after the end of the 2017 season. Arians has been leading the Cardinals for five years. He wants to run the team on commitment, accountability and trust.

Like Arians, Wilks will start his head coaching career with the Arizona Cardinals. Franchise president Michael Bidwell and general manager Steve Keim believe that Wilks has the ability to lead a group.

During his introductory press conference, Wilkes made it clear that he wanted to keep veterans, including iconic wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

“He did not express he was or wasn’t coming back but we would definitely love to have him back,” Wilks said. “He is a major part of our success past, present and future — first-ballot Hall of Famer so we definitely want him back.”

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